Alloy for Seal Ring, Seal Ring, and Method of Making Seal Ring for Seal Assembly of Machine

ABSTRACT

A seal ring for a seal assembly includes a body and a seal flange. The body is generally cylindrical and extends along a longitudinal axis between a load end and a seal end. The seal flange is disposed at the seal end of the cylindrical body. The seal flange circumscribes the body and projects radially from the body to a distal perimeter of the seal flange. The seal flange includes a sealing face which is annular and disposed adjacent the distal perimeter. The seal ring is made from an alloy that includes between 6 percent and 9 percent by weight of iron, between 1.5 percent and 3 percent by weight of silicon, greater than 14 percent by weight of chromium, and at least 65 percent by weight of nickel.

TECHNICAL FIELD

This patent disclosure relates generally to an alloy for a seal ring ofa seal assembly for machinery and equipment and, more particularly, toan alloy for a seal ring of a seal assembly having a rotary face-to-facecontacting relationship via a pair of seal rings.

BACKGROUND

The seal environment in a machine, such as, an off-highway truck, forexample, can include high pressure, high speed, and high deflectionbetween relatively movable components. A seal assembly of the kindemployed for retaining lubricant within a sealed cavity and excludingforeign matter from the bearing surfaces between relatively moving partsdisposed within the sealed cavity can comprise a face-type seal whereinsealing is accomplished by mating surfaces of relatively rotating sealparts of hard material.

In seals which employ two rings relatively rotating in face-to-facecontact, the economical production of sealing surfaces which will endureand maintain a seal throughout many hours of severe service is highlydesired. For example, the cost of the material from which the seal ringsof such a seal assembly are made can be expensive. It would beadvantageous to avoid using high-cost materials in the production ofsuch seal rings while maintaining a comparable performance to those thatuse higher-priced stock.

U.S. Pat. No. 9,528,171 is entitled, “Alloy for Seal Ring, Seal Ring,and Method of Making Seal Ring for Seal Assembly of Machine.” The '171patent is directed to an alloy for a seal ring that is made from analloy that includes between 8 percent and 13 percent by weight of iron,between 2 percent and 3 percent by weight of silicon, between 13 percentand 14 percent by weight of chromium, and at least 65 percent by weightof nickel.

It will be appreciated that this background description has been createdby the inventor to aid the reader, and is not to be taken as anindication that any of the indicated problems were themselvesappreciated in the art. While the described principles can, in someaspects and embodiments, alleviate the problems inherent in othersystems, it will be appreciated that the scope of the protectedinnovation is defined by the attached claims, and not by the ability ofany disclosed feature to solve any specific problem noted herein.

SUMMARY

In embodiments, the present disclosure describes an alloy for a sealring of a seal assembly. The alloy includes between 6 percent and 9percent by weight of iron, between 1.5 percent and 3 percent by weightof silicon, greater than 14 percent by weight of chromium, and at least65 percent by weight of nickel.

In other embodiments, a seal ring for a seal assembly includes a bodyand a seal flange. The body is generally cylindrical and extends along alongitudinal axis between a load end and a seal end. The seal flange isdisposed at the seal end of the body. The seal flange circumscribes thebody and projects radially from the body to a distal perimeter of theseal flange. The seal flange includes a sealing face which is annularand disposed adjacent the distal perimeter. The seal ring is made froman alloy that includes between 6 percent and 9 percent by weight ofiron, between 1.5 percent and 3 percent by weight of silicon, greaterthan 14 percent by weight of chromium, and at least 65 percent by weightof nickel.

In other embodiments, a method of making a seal ring includes producingthe seal ring from an alloy and machining the seal ring to at least onepredetermined tolerance. The alloy includes between 6 percent and 9percent by weight of iron, between 1.5 percent and 3 percent by weightof silicon, greater than 14 percent by weight of chromium, and at least65 percent by weight of nickel.

Further and alternative aspects and features of the disclosed principleswill be appreciated from the following detailed description and theaccompanying drawings. As will be appreciated, the alloys, seal ringsfor a seal assembly, and methods of making a seal ring for a sealassembly disclosed herein are capable of being carried out in other anddifferent embodiments, and capable of being modified in variousrespects. Accordingly, it is to be understood that both the foregoinggeneral description and the following detailed description are exemplaryand explanatory only and do not restrict the scope of the appendedclaims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a partially-sectioned, diagrammatic side view of an embodimentof a machine having a face seal assembly constructed in accordance withprinciples of the present disclosure.

FIG. 2 is a sectioned diagrammatic view of an embodiment of a seal ringfor a face seal assembly, which is constructed in accordance withprinciples of the present disclosure corresponding to the locationencompassed by circle II in FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is an axial end view of a load ring of the seal assembly of FIG.2 in an unloaded condition.

FIG. 4 is an enlarged, cross-sectional view taken along line IV-IV inFIG. 3.

FIG. 5 is an axial end view of a seal ring of the seal assembly of FIG.2.

FIG. 6 is an enlarged, fragmentary view of the seal ring of FIG. 5corresponding to the location encompassed by circle VI in FIG. 6.

FIG. 7 is an enlarged, cross-sectional view taken along line VII-VII inFIG. 5.

FIG. 8 is a flow chart illustrating steps of an embodiment of a methodof making a seal ring for a seal assembly according to principles of thepresent disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Embodiments of alloys, seal rings for a seal assembly, and methods ofmaking a seal ring for a seal assembly are described herein. Inembodiments, an alloy for a seal ring of a seal assembly includesbetween 6 percent and 9 percent by weight of iron, between 1.5 percentand 3 percent by weight of silicon, greater than 14 percent by weight ofchromium, and at least 65 percent by weight of nickel. In embodiments,the alloy includes between 65 percent and 75 percent by weight ofnickel. In embodiments, the alloy also includes between 2 percent and 3percent by weight of boron. In still other embodiments, the alloy alsoincludes between 2 percent and 3 percent by weight of carbon. Inembodiments, the alloy does not contain more than trace amounts ofmolybdenum, cobalt, manganese, or copper, or, in other embodiments, anytwo of the foregoing, any three of the foregoing, or all of theforegoing.

In embodiments, a seal ring for a seal assembly can be made from analloy according to principles of the present disclosure using anysuitable method of making a seal ring. In embodiments, the seal ringincludes a body and a seal flange. The body is generally cylindrical andextends along a longitudinal axis between a load end and a seal end. Theseal flange is disposed at the seal end of the cylindrical body. Theseal flange circumscribes the body and projects radially from the bodyto a distal perimeter of the seal flange. The seal flange includes asealing face which is annular and disposed adjacent the distalperimeter.

Referring now to the drawings and in particular to FIG. 1, an embodimentof a machine 10 is shown schematically. The machine 10 include a housingor frame 12 having a wheel assembly 14 coupled therewith. The wheelassembly 14 includes a hub 16, a rotatable spindle 18 journaled with thehub 16 via bearings 20, and a wheel 22 mounted to the rotatable spindle18. The machine 10 include a brake system 24 which is arranged with thewheel assembly 14 and configured to selectively stop the rotation of thewheel 22 with respect to the hub 16.

A seal assembly 30 constructed according to principles of the presentdisclosure can provide a running seal between a first member 32 which ismounted to the hub 16 of the wheel assembly 14 and a second member 34which is in the form of a brake housing of the brake system 24. Thebrake housing 34 is fixed to the rotatable spindle 18 such that thebrake housing 34 is rotatable with respect to the first member 32 abouta rotational axis which is aligned with a longitudinal axis “LA” definedby the spindle 18. The seal assembly 30 is disposed between the firstmember 32 and the second member 34.

A second seal assembly 36 constructed according to principles of thepresent disclosure is provided to form a second running seal betweenfirst and second members 38, 34 of the machine 10 which are rotatablewith respect to each other about a longitudinal axis “LA.” Inembodiments, the first and second seal assemblies 30, 36 can besubstantially the same. In yet other embodiments, the second sealassembly 36 can be different from the first seal assembly 30.

The first seal assembly 30, which is in the form of a metal-to-metalface seal assembly, is disposed in a first seal cavity 40 axiallyextending between the first member 32 and the second member 34. Thesecond member 34 in the form of the brake housing is rotatable about thelongitudinal axis “LA” relative to the first member 32 with the firstseal assembly 30 providing a running seal therebetween. The second sealassembly 36 is similarly disposed in a second seal cavity 42. Inembodiments, the first and second seal assemblies 30, 36 can be used toretain brake cooling fluid and/or a lubricant. In other embodiments, aseal assembly constructed according to principles of the presentdisclosure can be used in other applications, as will be recognized byone skilled in the art.

In embodiments, the machine 10 can be any suitable machine, such as awheel loader, a backhoe, an excavator, a material handler and the like.In embodiments, the machine 10 comprises other types of equipment thatinclude pivotal linkage arrangements which utilize a seal ring, a sealassembly, and a joint having a seal assembly constructed in accordancewith principles of the present disclosure. Examples of other suchmachines include machines used for compaction, mining, construction,farming, transportation, etc. While the present disclosure may beimplemented in the context of a wheel assembly, it is not therebylimited. A wide variety of other applications are contemplated,including various components of track-type tractors such as track seals,track roller and carrier roller seals, pin joint assemblies andcartridges, final drive arrangements, auger drive/support arrangements,and other suitable machine system wherein rotatable seal assemblies areutilized.

The first and second members can be rotatable relative to one anotherabout the longitudinal axis “LA” with the seal assembly 30 providing ameans for fluidly sealing the first member 32 and the second member 34with a running seal therebetween. In embodiments, the first member 32can comprise a component mounted to the frame 12 or otherwise stationarywith respect to the frame 12, and the second member 34 can comprise acomponent which is rotatably movable with respect to the first member 32about the longitudinal axis “LA.” In other embodiments, the secondmember 34 can be stationary and the first member 32 is rotatable withrespect to the frame 12. It should be understood, however, that the useof the terms “first,” “second,” and the like herein is for convenientreference only and is not limiting in any way.

The illustrated first and second seal assemblies 30, 36 aresubstantially identical to each other. It should be understood,therefore, that the description of one seal assembly is applicable tothe other seal assembly, as well.

Referring to FIG. 2, the first seal assembly 30 is shown. The firstmember 32 is rotatable about the longitudinal axis “LA” with respect tothe second member 34. The first member 32 and the second member 34 aredisposed in spaced relationship to each other such that they areseparated by a seal gap distance “SG” along the longitudinal axis “LA.”During use, the first member 32 and the second member 34 can moveaxially with respect to each other along the longitudinal axis “LA,”thereby varying the seal gap distance “SG.”

The first seal assembly 30 includes first and second seal rings 111, 112and first and second load rings 121, 122, which are all annular. Thefirst and second seal rings 111, 112 and the first and second load rings121, 122 are disposed in the first seal cavity 40 between the firstmember 32 and the second member 34. The first and second seal rings 111,112 of the first seal assembly 30 are disposed in abutting relationshipwith each other. The first and second load rings 121, 122 arerespectively mounted to the first and second seal rings 111, 112. Thefirst and second seal rings 111, 112 can be made from an alloy followingprinciples of the present disclosure. The first and second load rings121, 122 are preferably made from a suitable elastomeric material (suchas, nitrile, low temperature nitrile, hydrogenated nitrile (HNBR),silicone, or viton, for example).

In the first seal assembly 30, the first load ring 121 acts as a gasketand sealingly engages the first member 32 and the first seal ring 111 toprovide a fluid-tight seal therebetween. The second load ring 122 actsas a gasket and sealingly engages the second member 34 and the secondseal ring 112 to provide a fluid-tight seal therebetween.

An outboard end portion 124 of the first member 32 is in proximalrelation to an inboard end portion 126 of the second member 34. Theoutboard end portion 124 of the first member 32 and the inboard endportion 126 of the second member 34 each includes a load ring engagementsurface 130. The load ring engagement surfaces 130 of the first member32 and the second member 34 define, at least in part, the first sealcavity 40, which extends axially and is interposed between the firstmember 32 and the second member 34. It will be understood that themembers 38, 34 cooperate in a similar manner to define, at least inpart, the second seal cavity 42.

The load ring engagement surfaces 130 are generally annular and arecoaxial with the longitudinal axis “LA.” In the illustrated embodiment,the load ring engagement surfaces 130 maintain the cross-sectional shapeshown in FIG. 2 substantially continuously around the entirecircumference circumscribed around the longitudinal axis “LA” by thefirst and second members 32, 34.

The first and second seal rings 111, 112 are substantially identical toeach other. The first and second seal rings 111, 112 are each in theform of an annulus. The first and second seal rings 111, 112 arerotationally movable with respect to each other about the longitudinalaxis “LA.” In this arrangement, the first seal ring 111 can beconsidered a stationary seal ring as it is rotatively coupled with thefirst member 32. The second seal ring 112 can be considered a rotationalseal ring as it is coupled with the second member 34 which is mounted tothe rotatable spindle 18 and can rotate relative to the first member 32about the longitudinal axis “LA.”

The first and second seal rings 111, 112 each has a load end 131 and aseal end 132 in spaced relationship to each other along the longitudinalaxis “LA,” a ramped or inclined loading surface 134, which is axiallyextending, and a sealing face 136, which is disposed at the seal end 132and extends radially with respect to the longitudinal axis “LA.” Thefirst seal ring 111 and the second seal ring 112 abut one another suchthat the sealing faces 136 of the first seal ring 111 and the secondseal ring 112 are in contacting relationship with each other.

The sealing face 136 is defined by a seal flange 137, which isradially-extending. The sealing faces 136 of the first and second sealrings 111, 112 form a radially-extending annulus and are in sealingrelationship with each other.

Each sealing face 136 extends radially to an outer or distal perimeter138. Each sealing face 136 has a sealing band 140 disposed adjacent theouter perimeter 138. The first and second seal rings 111, 112 abut oneanother such that the sealing bands 140 of the first and second sealrings 111, 112 are in contacting relationship with each other.

The first and second load rings 121, 121 are respectively mounted to thefirst and second seal rings 111, 112. The first and second load rings121, 122 resiliently support the first and second seal rings 111, 112,respectively. The first load ring 121 engages the inclined loadingsurface 134 of the first seal ring 111, and the second load ring 122engages the inclined loading surface 134 of the second seal ring 112.

The first seal assembly 30 employs dual cones in the form of the firstand second seal rings 111, 112. Axial loading of the first and secondseal rings 111, 112 along the longitudinal axis “LA” is accomplished bymeans of the first and second load rings 121, 122. The tapered conicalor inclined loading surfaces 134 are formed along the outside surface ofthe first and second seal rings 111, 112 to receive the first and secondload rings 121, 122, respectively. The load ring engagement surfaces 130of the first and second members 32, 34 are positioned in corresponding,confronting inclined relation with the inclined loading surfaces 134 ofthe first and second seal rings 111, 112 so as to contain the first andsecond load rings 121, 122, respectively, therebetween. Axial loading ofthe first and second seal rings 111, 112 is thus accomplished throughthe axial loading of the first and second load rings 121, 122,respectively.

The first load ring 121 is compressed such that it engages the load ringengagement surface 130 of the first member 32 and the inclined loadingsurface 134 of the first seal ring 111. The second load ring 122 iscompressed such that it engages the load ring engagement surface 130 ofthe second member 34 and the inclined loading surface 134 of the secondseal ring 112. The first and second load rings 121, 122 are positionedsuch that they resiliently support the first and second seal rings 111,112 and drive the sealing faces 136 of the first and second seal rings111, 112 together to define a band 142 of contact between the sealingbands 140. The first and second load rings 121, 122 act in the manner ofa spring to apply an axial load respectively against the first andsecond seal rings 111, 112 in opposing directions along the longitudinalaxis “LA” to bring the sealing faces 136 of the first and second sealrings 111, 112 into face-to-face sealing contact under pressure alongthe band 142 of contact such that a running, fluid-tight seal is formed.

The load ring engagement surfaces 130 of the first member 32 and thesecond member 34 are mirror images. The inclined loading surfaces 134 ofthe first and second seal rings 111, 112 are substantially identical toeach other. Accordingly, it should be understood that the descriptionbelow of the load ring engagement surface 130 of the first member 32 andthe inclined loading surface 134 of the first seal ring 111 isapplicable respectively to the load ring engagement surface 130 of thesecond member 34 and the inclined loading surface 134 of the second sealring 112, as well. Furthermore, the description of the relationshipsbetween the first member 32, the first load ring 121, and the first sealring 111 are also applicable to the relationships between the secondmember 34, the second load ring 122, and the second seal ring 112, aswell.

The load ring engagement surface 130 of the first member 32 and theinclined loading surface 134 of the first seal ring 111 are inconfronting, spaced apart relationship such that they define an annularload ring cavity 144 within which the first load ring 121 is disposed.The load ring engagement surface 130 of the first member 32 and theinclined loading surface 134 of the first seal ring 111 cooperatetogether to define a seal end restriction 148 adjacent the sealing face136 of the first seal ring 111. The seal end restriction 148 isconfigured to help prevent the first load ring 121 from sliding axiallyoff of the first seal ring 111 in a direction toward the second sealring 112 and to help prevent the first load ring 121 from extending intoa pinch point therein.

The load ring engagement surface 130 of the first member 32 extendsaxially from the outboard end portion 124 thereof and faces radiallyinwardly. The load ring engagement surface 130 of the first member 32includes a peripheral retaining lip 160 adjacent the outboard endportion 124 of the first member 32 and an inclined load ramp portion162. The inclined load ramp portion 162 is bounded by a seal end 166adjacent the retaining lip 160 and a load end 167 disposed in spacedaxial relationship to the seal end 166.

The peripheral retaining lip 160 projects radially inwardly relative tothe seal end 166 of the inclined load ramp portion 162. The peripheralretaining lip 160 cooperates with the outer perimeter 138 of the sealingface 136 of the first seal ring 111 to define the seal end restriction148.

A transition segment 174 can be provided between the peripheralretaining lip 160 and the seal end 166 of the inclined load ramp portion162. In the illustrated embodiment, the transition segment 174 has afrusto-conical shape. In other embodiments, the transition segment 174can have other configurations, such as a concave curved shape, forexample.

The inclined load ramp portion 162 of the load ring engagement surface130 extends between the seal end 166 and the load end 167. The load end167 of the inclined load ramp portion 162 is further from the sealingface 136 of the first seal ring 111 along the longitudinal axis “LA”than the seal end 166 of the inclined load ramp portion 162.

The inclined load ramp portion 162 of the load ring engagement surface130 extends circumferentially around the longitudinal axis “LA.” Theinclined load ramp portion 162 is bounded at the seal end 166 by thetransition segment 174. The load end 167 of the inclined load rampportion 162 is in distal relationship with respect to the sealing face136 of the first seal ring 111. The inclined load ramp portion 162 issubstantially frusto-conical and is inclined outwardly at apredetermined load ramp angle “θ” relative to the longitudinal axis “LA”such that the seal end 166 of the inclined load ramp portion 162 isdisposed radially outwardly of the load end 167 thereof. In embodiments,the inclined load ramp portion 162 of the first member 32 inclinesoutwardly relative to the longitudinal axis “LA” in a direction from theload end 167 toward the seal end 166 thereof such that the load rampangle “θ” is in a range between eight degrees and twenty degrees.

The inclined loading surface 134 of the first seal ring 111 facesradially outwardly and includes a seating portion 202, an inclined sealramp portion 204, and a cylindrical portion 206. The inclined seal rampportion 204 is disposed between the seating portion 202 and thecylindrical portion 206.

The seating portion 202 projects radially outwardly relative to theinclined seal ramp portion 204 and terminates at the outer perimeter 138of the sealing face 136. The seating portion 202 radially overlaps withthe band 142 of contact between the sealing faces 136. The seatingportion 202 is generally concave and can be adapted to surroundinglyengage the first load ring 121.

The inclined seal ramp portion 204 of the first seal ring 111 is boundedat a seal end 220 by the seating portion 202 and at a load end 222 bythe cylindrical portion 206. The load end 222 of the inclined seal rampportion 204 is in distal relationship with respect to the sealing face136 of the first seal ring 111. The inclined seal ramp portion 204 issubstantially frusto-conical and is inclined at a seal ramp angle “γ”relative to the longitudinal axis “LA” such that the seal end 220 of theinclined seal ramp portion 204 is disposed radially outwardly of theload end 222 thereof. In embodiments, inclined seal ramp portion 204 ofthe first seal ring 111 inclines outwardly relative to the longitudinalaxis “LA” in a direction from the load end 222 toward the seal end 220thereof such that the seal ramp angle “γ” is in a range between eightdegrees and thirty-five degrees, and between eight and twenty degrees inother embodiments.

In embodiments, the seal ramp angle “γ” of the inclined seal rampportion 204 of the first seal ring 111 can be substantially equal to theload ramp angle “θ” of the inclined load ramp portion 162 of the firstmember 32. In other embodiments, the seal ramp angle “γ” of the inclinedseal ramp portion 204 of the first seal ring 111 can be less than theload ramp angle “θ” of the inclined load ramp portion 162 of the firstmember 32. In still other embodiments, the seal ramp angle “γ” of theinclined seal ramp portion 204 of the first seal ring 111 can be greaterthan the load ramp angle “θ” of the inclined load ramp portion 162 ofthe first member 32, as shown in FIG. 2.

The cylindrical portion 206 of the first seal ring 111 includes anexternal sidewall 225 that is substantially cylindrical and coaxial withthe longitudinal axis “LA.” The external sidewall 225 defines an outerperimeter 230 of the load end 131 of the first seal ring 111 to define aload end restriction 233 in cooperation with the first member 32.

Referring to FIGS. 3 and 4, the first load ring 121 is shown. The firstand second load rings 121, 122 are substantially identical to eachother. It should be understood, therefore, that the description of thefirst load ring 121 is applicable to the second load ring 122. The firstload ring 121 is in the shape of an annulus. When the first load ring121 is in an unloaded or uncompressed condition, it has a substantiallycircular cross-sectional shape 235, as shown in FIG. 4. Thecross-sectional shape 235 has a predetermined cross-sectional radius “R”when in an unloaded condition (see FIG. 4).

Referring to FIGS. 5-7, the first seal ring 111 is shown. The first sealring 111 is an example of an embodiment of a seal ring constructedaccording to principles of the present disclosure. The second seal ring112 is substantially identical to the first seal ring 111. It should beunderstood, therefore, that the description of the first seal ring 111is applicable to the second seal ring 112, as well.

Referring to FIGS. 5 and 6, the first seal ring 111 is in the shape ofan annulus. The seal flange 137 includes the sealing face 136. Thesealing face 136 includes the sealing band 140 disposed adjacent theouter perimeter 138 of the seal flange 137 and an inner relieved area245 disposed between the sealing band 140 (which is shown as a hatchedarea in FIGS. 5 and 6 for illustrative purposes) and an inner perimeter248 of the first seal ring 111. The inner relieved area 245 can betapered between the sealing band 140 and the inner perimeter 248 suchthat the inner perimeter 248 is axially displaced from the sealing band140 (see FIG. 2).

Referring to FIG. 7, the first seal ring 111 includes a cylindrical body240 and the seal flange 137. The cylindrical body 240 extends along thelongitudinal axis “LA” between the load end 131 and the seal end 132,which is in opposing relationship to the load end 131. The cylindricalbody 240 includes the inner perimeter 248 which is substantiallycylindrical and the majority of the inclined loading surface 134, whichis in outer, radial spaced relationship to the inner perimeter 248.

The seal flange 137 is disposed at the seal end 132. The seal flange 137projects radially from the cylindrical body 240 to the outer perimeter138 thereof. The sealing face 136 is disposed on the seal flange 137 andextends radially with respect to the longitudinal axis “LA.” The sealingband 140 can be substantially flat in cross-section between an innerradial edge 257 and the outer perimeter 138 (see FIG. 6 also). Inembodiments, the sealing band 140 can include an outer relieved areadisposed adjacent the outer perimeter 138 that is chamfered or tapered.

In embodiments, a seal ring for a seal assembly, such as the first andsecond seal rings 111, 112, is made from an alloy following principlesof the present disclosure. In embodiments, an alloy for a seal ring of aseal assembly following principles of the present disclosure includes adecreased nickel content relative to conventional alloys used for makingseal rings. In such embodiments, iron is used to replace some of thenickel content, and the alloy includes between 2 percent and 3 percentby weight of silicon. In embodiments, the silicon content of the alloycan be adjusted to maintain the castability of the iron-containingalloy. It should be understood that in other embodiments, an alloyfollowing principles of the present disclosure can be used to make othertypes of seal rings having a different configuration from that of theseal rings 111, 112 illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 5-7, such as, heavy dutydual face metal face seals using Belleville washers; other types ofduo-cone seal rings with different loading surfaces and/or sealing facesand/or used in conjunction with different shaped load rings or torics;and other seals for other seal assemblies, as will be appreciated by oneskilled in the art.

In embodiments, an alloy for a seal ring of a seal assembly followingprinciples of the present disclosure includes between 6 percent and 9percent by weight of iron, between 1.5 percent and 3 percent by weightof silicon, greater than 14 percent by weight of chromium, and at least65 percent by weight of nickel. In at least some of such embodiments,the alloy includes between greater than 14 percent and up to 16 percentby weight of chromium. In at least some of such embodiments, the alloyincludes between 65 percent and 75 percent by weight of nickel. Inembodiments, the alloy also includes between 2 percent and 3 percent byweight of boron. In embodiments, the alloy also includes between 2percent and 3 percent by weight of carbon. In embodiments, the alloydoes not contain more than trace amounts of molybdenum, cobalt,manganese, copper, any two of the foregoing, any three of the foregoing,or all of the foregoing.

In embodiments, an alloy for a seal ring of a seal assembly followingprinciples of the present disclosure includes between 6 percent and 9percent by weight of iron. In at least some of such embodiments, analloy for a seal ring of a seal assembly following principles of thepresent disclosure includes between 6 percent and 8 percent by weight ofiron. In at least some of such embodiments, an alloy for a seal ring ofa seal assembly following principles of the present disclosure includesbetween 6 percent and 7 percent by weight of iron.

In embodiments, an alloy for a seal ring of a seal assembly followingprinciples of the present disclosure includes between 1.5 percent and 3percent by weight of silicon. In at least some of such embodiments, analloy for a seal ring of a seal assembly following principles of thepresent disclosure includes between 1.5 percent and 2.5 percent byweight of silicon. In at least some of such embodiments, an alloy for aseal ring of a seal assembly following principles of the presentdisclosure includes between 1.7 percent and 2.4 percent by weight ofsilicon.

In embodiments, an alloy for a seal ring of a seal assembly followingprinciples of the present disclosure includes greater than 14 percent byweight of chromium. In at least some of such embodiments, an alloy for aseal ring of a seal assembly following principles of the presentdisclosure includes between greater than 14 percent and up to 16 percentby weight of chromium. In at least some of such embodiments, an alloyfor a seal ring of a seal assembly following principles of the presentdisclosure includes between 14.5 percent and 15.5 percent by weight ofchromium. In at least some of such embodiments, an alloy for a seal ringof a seal assembly following principles of the present disclosureincludes between 15 percent and 15.5 percent by weight of chromium.

In embodiments, an alloy for a seal ring of a seal assembly followingprinciples of the present disclosure includes between 2 percent and 3percent by weight of boron. In still other embodiments, an alloy for aseal ring of a seal assembly following principles of the presentdisclosure includes between 2.5 percent and 2.9 percent by weight ofboron.

In embodiments, an alloy for a seal ring of a seal assembly followingprinciples of the present disclosure includes between 2 percent and 3percent by weight of carbon. In still other embodiments, an alloy for aseal ring of a seal assembly following principles of the presentdisclosure includes between 2.2 percent and 2.6 percent by weight ofcarbon.

In embodiments, an alloy for a seal ring of a seal assembly followingprinciples of the present disclosure includes at least 65 percent byweight of nickel. In at least some of such embodiments, an alloy for aseal ring of a seal assembly following principles of the presentdisclosure includes between 65 percent and 75 percent by weight ofnickel. In at least some of such embodiments, an alloy for a seal ringof a seal assembly following principles of the present disclosureincludes between 70 percent and 75 percent by weight of nickel. In atleast some of such embodiments, an alloy for a seal ring of a sealassembly following principles of the present disclosure includes between71.5 percent and 72.5 percent by weight of nickel.

In embodiments, an alloy for a seal ring of a seal assembly followingprinciples of the present disclosure includes chromium, iron, silicon,boron, and carbon, and the balance being nickel (but may also includeimpurities). In embodiments, an alloy for a seal ring of a seal assemblyfollowing principles of the present disclosure includes greater than 14percent by weight of chromium, between 6 percent and 9 percent by weightof iron, between 2 percent and 3 percent by weight of boron, between 2percent and 3 percent by weight of carbon, between 1.5 percent and 3percent by weight of silicon, and the balance being nickel (but may alsoinclude impurities).

In preferred embodiments, an alloy following principles of the presentdisclosure includes between 6 percent and 9 percent by weight of iron,between 1.5 percent and 3 percent by weight of silicon, and at least 65percent by weight of nickel. In at least some of such embodiments, thealloy includes between 65 percent and 75 percent by weight of nickel.

Table I sets forth non-limiting exemplary embodiments of an alloyfollowing principles of the present disclosure:

TABLE I Exemplary Embodiment of Alloy According to Present DisclosureEmbodiment Fe Si Cr B C Ni 1 6-9 wt % 1.5-3 wt % >14 wt % ≥65 wt % 2 6-8wt % 1.5-3 wt % >14 wt % ≥65 wt % 3 6-7 wt % 1.5-3 wt % >14 wt % ≥65 wt% 4 6-9 wt % 1.5-2.5 wt % >14 wt % ≥65 wt % 5 6-9 wt % 1.7-2.7 wt % >14wt % ≥65 wt % 6 6-9 wt % 1.5-3 wt % >14-16 wt % ≥65 wt % 7 6-9 wt %1.5-3 wt % 14.5-15.5 wt % ≥65 wt % 8 6-8 wt % 1.5-2.5 wt % >14 wt % ≥65wt % 9 6-7 wt % 1.5-2.5 wt % >14 wt % ≥65 wt % 10 6-8 wt % 1.5-2.5 wt% >14-16 wt % ≥65 wt % 11 6-7 wt % 1.5-2.5 wt % >14-16 wt % ≥65 wt % 126-8 wt % 1.5-2.5 wt % 14.5-15.5 wt % ≥65 wt % 13 6-9 wt % 1.5-3 wt % >14wt % 65-75 wt % 14 6-8 wt % 1.5-3 wt % >14 wt % 65-75 wt % 15 6-7 wt %1.5-3 wt % >14 wt % 65-75 wt % 16 6-9 wt % 1.5-2.5 wt % >14 wt % 65-75wt % 17 6-9 wt % 1.7-2.7 wt % >14 wt % 65-75 wt % 18 6-9 wt % 1.5-3 wt% >14-16 wt % 65-75 wt % 19 6-9 wt % 1.5-3 wt % 14.5-15.5 wt % 65-75 wt% 20 6-8 wt % 1.5-2.5 wt % >14 wt % 65-75 wt % 21 6-7 wt % 1.5-2.5 wt% >14 wt % 65-75 wt % 22 6-8 wt % 1.5-2.5 wt % >14-16 wt % 65-75 wt % 236-7 wt % 1.5-2.5 wt % >14-16 wt % 65-75 wt % 24 6-8 wt % 1.5-2.5 wt %14.5-15.5 wt % 65-75 wt % 25 6-9 wt % 1.5-3 wt % >14 wt % 2-3 wt % >65wt % 26 6-8 wt % 1.5-3 wt % >14 wt % 2-3 wt % >65 wt % 27 6-7 wt % 1.5-3wt % >14 wt % 2-3 wt % >65 wt % 28 6-9 wt % 1.5-2.5 wt % >14 wt % 2-3 wt% >65 wt % 29 6-9 wt % 1.7-2.7 wt % >14 wt % 2-3 wt % >65 wt % 30 6-9 wt% 1.5-3 wt % >14-16 wt % 2-3 wt % >65 wt % 31 6-9 wt % 1.5-3 wt %14.5-15.5 wt % 2-3 wt % >65 wt % 32 6-8 wt % 1.5-2.5 wt % >14 wt % 2-3wt % >65 wt % 33 6-7 wt % 1.5-2.5 wt % >14 wt % 2-3 wt % >65 wt % 34 6-8wt % 1.5-2.5 wt % >14-16 wt % 2-3 wt % >65 wt % 35 6-7 wt % 1.5-2.5 wt% >14-16 wt % 2-3 wt % >65 wt % 36 6-8 wt % 1.5-2.5 wt % 14.5-15.5 wt %2-3 wt % >65 wt % 37 6-9 wt % 1.5-3 wt % >14 wt % 2-3 wt % 65-75 wt % 386-8 wt % 1.5-3 wt % >14 wt % 2-3 wt % 65-75 wt % 39 6-7 wt % 1.5-3 wt% >14 wt % 2-3 wt % 65-75 wt % 40 6-9 wt % 1.5-2.5 wt % >14 wt % 2-3 wt% 65-75 wt % 41 6-9 wt % 1.7-2.7 wt % >14 wt % 2-3 wt % 65-75 wt % 426-9 wt % 1.5-3 wt % >14-16 wt % 2-3 wt % 65-75 wt % 43 6-9 wt % 1.5-3 wt% 14.5-15.5 wt % 2-3 wt % 65-75 wt % 44 6-8 wt % 1.5-2.5 wt % >14 wt %2-3 wt % 65-75 wt % 45 6-7 wt % 1.5-2.5 wt % >14 wt % 2-3 wt % 65-75 wt% 46 6-8 wt % 1.5-2.5 wt % >14-16 wt % 2-3 wt % 65-75 wt % 47 6-7 wt %1.5-2.5 wt % >14-16 wt % 2-3 wt % 65-75 wt % 48 6-8 wt % 1.5-2.5 wt %14.5-15.5 wt % 2-3 wt % 65-75 wt % 49 6-9 wt % 1.5-3 wt % >14 wt % 2-3wt % >65 wt % 50 6-8 wt % 1.5-3 wt % >14 wt % 2-3 wt % >65 wt % 51 6-7wt % 1.5-3 wt % >14 wt % 2-3 wt % >65 wt % 52 6-9 wt % 1.5-2.5 wt % >14wt % 2-3 wt % >65 wt % 53 6-9 wt % 1.7-2.7 wt % >14 wt % 2-3 wt % >65 wt% 54 6-9 wt % 1.5-3 wt % >14-16 wt % 2-3 wt % >65 wt % 55 6-9 wt % 1.5-3wt % 14.5-15.5 wt % 2-3 wt % >65 wt % 56 6-8 wt % 1.5-2.5 wt % >14 wt %2-3 wt % >65 wt % 57 6-7 wt % 1.5-2.5 wt % >14 wt % 2-3 wt % >65 wt % 586-8 wt % 1.5-2.5 wt % >14-16 wt % 2-3 wt % >65 wt % 59 6-7 wt % 1.5-2.5wt % >14-16 wt % 2-3 wt % >65 wt % 60 6-8 wt % 1.5-2.5 wt % 14.5-15.5 wt% 2-3 wt % >65 wt % 61 6-9 wt % 1.5-3 wt % >14 wt % 2-3 wt % 65-75 wt %62 6-8 wt % 1.5-3 wt % >14 wt % 2-3 wt % 65-75 wt % 63 6-7 wt % 1.5-3 wt% >14 wt % 2-3 wt % 65-75 wt % 64 6-9 wt % 1.5-2.5 wt % >14 wt % 2-3 wt% 65-75 wt % 65 6-9 wt % 1.7-2.7 wt % >14 wt % 2-3 wt % 65-75 wt % 666-9 wt % 1.5-3 wt % >14-16 wt % 2-3 wt % 65-75 wt % 67 6-9 wt % 1.5-3 wt% 14.5-15.5 wt % 2-3 wt % 65-75 wt % 68 6-8 wt % 1.5-2.5 wt % >14 wt %2-3 wt % 65-75 wt % 69 6-7 wt % 1.5-2.5 wt % >14 wt % 2-3 wt % 65-75 wt% 70 6-8 wt % 1.5-2.5 wt % >14-16 wt % 2-3 wt % 65-75 wt % 71 6-7 wt %1.5-2.5 wt % >14-16 wt % 2-3 wt % 65-75 wt % 72 6-8 wt % 1.5-2.5 wt %14.5-15.5 wt % 2-3 wt % 65-75 wt % 73 6-9 wt % 1.5-3 wt % >14 wt % 2-3wt % 2-3 wt % >65 wt % 74 6-8 wt % 1.5-3 wt % >14 wt % 2-3 wt % 2-3 wt% >65 wt % 75 6-7 wt % 1.5-3 wt % >14 wt % 2-3 wt % 2-3 wt % >65 wt % 766-9 wt % 1.5-2.5 wt % >14 wt % 2-3 wt % 2-3 wt % >65 wt % 77 6-9 wt %1.7-2.7 wt % >14 wt % 2-3 wt % 2-3 wt % >65 wt % 78 6-9 wt % 1.5-3 wt% >14-16 wt % 2-3 wt % 2-3 wt % >65 wt % 79 6-9 wt % 1.5-3 wt %14.5-15.5 wt % 2-3 wt % 2-3 wt % >65 wt % 80 6-8 wt % 1.5-2.5 wt % >14wt % 2-3 wt % 2-3 wt % >65 wt % 81 6-7 wt % 1.5-2.5 wt % >14 wt % 2-3 wt% 2-3 wt % >65 wt % 82 6-8 wt % 1.5-2.5 wt % >14-16 wt % 2-3 wt % 2-3 wt% >65 wt % 83 6-7 wt % 1.5-2.5 wt % >14-16 wt % 2-3 wt % 2-3 wt % >65 wt% 84 6-8 wt % 1.5-2.5 wt % 14.5-15.5 wt % 2-3 wt % 2-3 wt % >65 wt % 856-7.5 wt % 1.5-2.5 wt % 15-16 wt % 2-3 wt % 2-3 wt % >65 wt % 86 6-7.5wt % 1.7-2.4 wt % 15-16 wt % 2-3 wt % 2-3 wt % >65 wt % 87 6-9 wt %1.5-3 wt % >14 wt % 2-3 wt % 2-3 wt % 65-75 wt % 88 6-8 wt % 1.5-3 wt% >14 wt % 2-3 wt % 2-3 wt % 65-75 wt % 89 6-7 wt % 1.5-3 wt % >14 wt %2-3 wt % 2-3 wt % 65-75 wt % 90 6-9 wt % 1.5-2.5 wt % >14 wt % 2-3 wt %2-3 wt % 65-75 wt % 91 6-9 wt % 1.7-2.7 wt % >14 wt % 2-3 wt % 2-3 wt %65-75 wt % 92 6-9 wt % 1.5-3 wt % >14-16 wt % 2-3 wt % 2-3 wt % 65-75 wt% 93 6-9 wt % 1.5-3 wt % 14.5-15.5 wt % 2-3 wt % 2-3 wt % 65-75 wt % 946-8 wt % 1.5-2.5 wt % >14 wt % 2-3 wt % 2-3 wt % 65-75 wt % 95 6-7 wt %1.5-2.5 wt % >14 wt % 2-3 wt % 2-3 wt % 65-75 wt % 96 6-8 wt % 1.5-2.5wt % >14-16 wt % 2-3 wt % 2-3 wt % 65-75 wt % 97 6-7 wt % 1.5-2.5 wt% >14-16 wt % 2-3 wt % 2-3 wt % 65-75 wt % 98 6-8 wt % 1.5-2.5 wt %14.5-15.5 wt % 2-3 wt % 2-3 wt % 65-75 wt % 99 6-7.5 wt % 1.5-2.5 wt %15-16 wt % 2-3 wt % 2-3 wt % 65-75 wt % 100 6-7.5 wt % 1.7-2.4 wt %15-16 wt % 2-3 wt % 2-3 wt % 65-75 wt %

In embodiments, an alloy for a seal ring of a seal assembly followingprinciples of the present disclosure consists or consists essentially ofiron, silicon, chromium, boron, and carbon, and the balance beingnickel, but may contain trace amounts of impurities. For example, inembodiments, an alloy for a seal ring of a seal assembly followingprinciples of the present disclosure can consist of one of theformulations of Embodiments 73-100 in Table I, and may contain traceamounts of impurities. In embodiments, an alloy for a seal ring of aseal assembly following principles of the present disclosure can consistessentially of one of the formulations of Embodiments 73-100 in Table I,and may contain trace amounts of impurities.

A seal ring constructed according to principles of the presentdisclosure can be made using any suitable technique known to thoseskilled in the art. For example, a seal ring blank or “button” can bemade by any suitable technique, such as by being stamped and formed, orcast, for example. The seal ring button can be machined by any suitabletechnique, such as by using a lathe for lathe-turning and/or grinder forgrinding operations, for example, to achieve the desired configurationfor the seal ring. The seal ring can be machined such that the thicknessof the seal flange is within a predetermined tolerance, the seal rampangle is within a predetermined tolerance, and other dimensionaltolerances are met, for example. It should be understood thatdimensional details relating to the seal ring, and other components of aseal assembly, constructed according to principles of the presentdisclosure as described herein are nominal values. Similarly, it shouldbe understood that the percent weight values for the components ofvarious embodiments of an alloy following principles of the presentdisclosure are expressed as nominal values. It is contemplated thatsuitable tolerance variations are also included within the describednominal values, as will be appreciated by one skilled in the art.

Referring to FIG. 8, steps of an embodiment of a method 300 forpreparing a seal ring for a seal assembly in accordance with principlesof the present disclosure are shown. The seal ring is produced from analloy following principles of the present disclosure (step 310). Theseal ring is machined to at least one predetermined tolerance (step320). The sealing face of the seal ring is lapped to define an innerrelieved area (step 330). The sealing face of the seal ring is lapped toflatten a sealing band (step 340). The sealing band is polished (step350).

The seal ring can be produce in step 310 using any suitable technique,such as by being stamped and formed or cast, for example. Inembodiments, the seal ring is preferably produced by a castingtechnique. In embodiments, the seal ring can be produced using anysuitable casting technique, such as by a centrifugal casting processknown to one having ordinary skill in the art, for example.

In embodiments, the alloy includes between 6 percent and 9 percent byweight of iron, between 1.5 percent and 3 percent by weight of silicon,greater than 14 percent by weight of chromium, and at least 65 percentby weight of nickel. In embodiments, the alloy includes between 2percent and 3 percent by weight of boron and between 2 percent and 3percent by weight of carbon. In still other embodiments, the alloyincludes between greater than 14 percent and up to 16 percent by weightof chromium and between 65 percent and 75 percent by weight of nickel.In yet other embodiments, any alloy following principles of the presentdisclosure can be used to produce the seal ring.

In step 320, the seal ring can be machined by any suitable technique,such as by using a lathe for lathe-turning and/or grinder for grindingoperations, for example. The seal ring can be machined such that thethickness of the seal flange is within a predetermined tolerance, theseal ramp angle is within a predetermined tolerance, and otherdimensional tolerances are met, for example.

In step 330, the sealing face can be lapped using any suitabletechnique, such as with a spherical lap, for example, to define theinner relieved area. In step 340, the sealing face can be lapped usingany suitable technique, such as with a flat lap, for example, to flattenthe sealing band. In embodiments, the sealing band can be polished instep 340 using any suitable technique.

INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY

The industrial applicability of the embodiments of an alloy for a sealring, a seal ring for a seal assembly, and a method of making a sealring described herein will be readily appreciated from the foregoingdiscussion. The described principles are applicable to machines andequipment including a wheel assembly such that one member is rotatablymovable with respect to the other member. A wheel assembly can includeat least one seal assembly constructed in accordance with the presentprinciples. In other embodiments, a seal ring constructed according toprinciples of the present disclosure can be used in a seal assembly usedin a different application, such as a slurry pump auger or a pin jointassembly for a linkage assembly, for example. Examples of such machinesinclude compaction machines, including a wheel loader, for example. Theseal rings disclosed herein can advantageously be offered on newequipment, or can be used to retrofit existing equipment operating inthe field.

During use, the first and second seal rings 111, 112 help preventlubricant (not shown) from leaking out of the respective cavities. Thefirst and second seal rings 111, 112 provide a running sealtherebetween. Specifically, the first and second seal rings 111, 112rotate relatively against one another in sealing engagement. The firstand second load rings 121, 122 act in the manner of a spring to apply anaxial load respectively against the first and second seal rings 111, 112in opposing directions along the longitudinal axis “LA” to bring thesealing bands 140 of the first and second seal rings 111, 112 intoface-to-face sealing contact under pressure such that a runningfluid-tight seal is formed. The structure of the seal cavity 40 can helpmaintain the first and second load rings 121, 122 in proximalrelationship to the first and second seal rings 111, 112, respectively,to promote the opposing axial forces exerted by the first and secondseal rings 111, 112 against each other. Accordingly, fluid can berestrained from escaping from the seal cavity 40 under difficult loadingconditions.

The first and second seal rings 111, 112 can be made from an alloyfollowing principles of the present disclosure by a suitable centrifugalcasting technique. An alloy following principles of the presentdisclosure can exhibit good castability behavior and be readilymachinable to improve the manufacturing process. An alloy followingprinciples of the present disclosure can exhibit corrosion resistance.

It will be appreciated that the foregoing description provides examplesof the disclosed system and technique. However, it is contemplated thatother implementations of the disclosure may differ in detail from theforegoing examples. All references to the disclosure or examples thereofare intended to reference the particular example being discussed at thatpoint and are not intended to imply any limitation as to the scope ofthe disclosure more generally. All language of distinction anddisparagement with respect to certain features is intended to indicate alack of preference for the features of interest, but not to exclude suchfrom the scope of the disclosure entirely unless otherwise specificallyindicated.

Recitation of ranges of values herein are merely intended to serve as ashorthand method of referring individually to each separate valuefalling within the range, unless otherwise indicated herein, and eachseparate value is incorporated into the specification as if it wereindividually recited herein. All methods described herein can beperformed in any suitable order unless otherwise indicated herein orotherwise clearly contradicted by context.

What is claimed is:
 1. An alloy for a seal ring of a seal assembly, thealloy comprising: between 6 percent and 9 percent by weight of iron;between 1.5 percent and 3 percent by weight of silicon; greater than 14percent by weight of chromium; at least 65 percent by weight of nickel.2. The alloy of claim 1, wherein the alloy includes between 6 percentand less than 8 percent by weight of iron.
 3. The alloy of claim 1,wherein the alloy includes between 6 percent and 7 percent by weight ofiron.
 4. The alloy of claim 1, wherein the alloy includes between 1.5percent and 2.5 percent by weight of silicon.
 5. The alloy of claim 1,wherein the alloy includes between 1.7 percent and 2.4 percent by weightof silicon.
 6. The alloy of claim 1, wherein the alloy includes betweengreater than 14 percent and up to 16 percent by weight of chromium. 7.The alloy of claim 1, wherein the alloy includes between 14.5 percentand 15.5 percent by weight of chromium.
 8. The alloy of claim 1, whereinthe alloy includes between 65 percent and 75 percent by weight ofnickel.
 9. The alloy of claim 1, further comprising: between 2 percentand 3 percent by weight of boron.
 10. The alloy of claim 1, furthercomprising: at least 2 percent by weight of carbon.
 11. The alloy ofclaim 10, wherein the alloy includes between 2 percent and 3 percent byweight of carbon.
 12. The alloy of claim 11, further comprising: between2 percent and 3 percent by weight of boron; wherein the alloy includesbetween greater than 14 percent and up to 16 percent by weight ofchromium.
 13. The alloy of claim 12, wherein the alloy includes between1.5 percent and 2.5 percent by weight of silicon.
 14. A seal ring for aseal assembly comprising: a body, the body being generally cylindricaland extending along a longitudinal axis between a load end and a sealend; a seal flange, the seal flange disposed at the seal end of thebody, the seal flange circumscribing the body and projecting radiallyfrom the body to a distal perimeter of the seal flange, the seal flangeincluding a sealing face, the sealing face being annular and disposedadjacent the distal perimeter; wherein the seal ring is made from analloy, the alloy including: between 6 percent and 9 percent by weight ofiron, between 1.5 percent and 3 percent by weight of silicon, greaterthan 14 percent by weight of chromium, and at least 65 percent by weightof nickel.
 15. The seal ring of claim 14, further comprising: a loadingsurface, the loading surface extending along the longitudinal axisincluding an inclined seal ramp portion having a frusto-conical shapeand inclining outwardly relative to the longitudinal axis in a directionfrom the load end toward the sealing face.
 16. The seal ring of claim14, wherein the alloy includes between 2 percent and 3 percent by weightof boron, and between 2 percent and 3 percent by weight of carbon. 17.The seal ring of claim 16, wherein the alloy includes between greaterthan 14 percent and up to 16 percent by weight of chromium and between65 percent and 75 percent by weight of nickel.
 18. A method of making aseal ring, the method comprising: producing the seal ring from an alloy;machining the seal ring to at least one predetermined tolerance; whereinthe alloy includes: between 6 percent and 9 percent by weight of iron,between 1.5 percent and 3 percent by weight of silicon, greater than 14percent by weight of chromium, and at least 65 percent by weight ofnickel.
 19. The method of claim 18, wherein the seal ring is produced bycentrifugal casting.
 20. The method of claim 18, wherein the alloyincludes between 2 percent and 3 percent by weight of boron and between2 percent and 3 percent by weight of carbon, and wherein the alloyincludes between greater than 14 percent and up to 16 percent by weightof chromium and between 65 percent and 75 percent by weight of nickel.